Ecaterina Gate is one of the most iconic and well-preserved gates of Brasov. Originally built in the 16th century, it was part of the city's fortification system and was designed to protect the city from invaders. The gate is named after St. Catherine's Monastery that was situated there in former times. It is the only original city gate to have survived from medieval times.

Ecaterina's Gate was built in the 16th century as part of the city's fortifications. The gate’s primary purpose was to protect the city from invaders, and it was strategically placed along the road leading to the southern parts of Transylvania.

The gate is a beautiful example of Renaissance-style military architecture. It is a two-story structure, featuring a combination of defensive elements, such as a fortified archway and a defensive wall. The upper floor once housed a small chapel. The design also incorporates Baroque elements and decorative features, making it an important architectural monument in Brasov.

• Facade: The gate has a distinctive, elegant design, with decorative arches, stucco work, and a circular window.
• Towers: The gate originally had two towers on either side, although they were later modified for better defense. 

Over time, the gate has been used for different purposes, but it still retains much of its original charm, and today it stands as a symbol of the city's medieval heritage.

Over the centuries, Ecaterina's Gate has undergone several restorations. Today, it stands as one of the most prominent and visited historical sites in Brașov. The gate is often photographed by tourists and serves as a reminder of the city’s rich history and its strategic importance in the region.

Ecaterina's Gate is located in the southern part of the old town of Brasov, near the foot of the Tampa Mountain. It is easily accessible from the city center and is a prominent part of Brasov's historic fortifications, which include several other gates and towers.

In short, Ecaterina's Gate is a beautifully preserved piece of Brasov’s history, and the symbol of our Ladies' Circle 1 Brasov since chartered in 1992.

The heart of Brasov is its medieval Old Town, centered around the Council Square. This lively area is surrounded by colorful, Gothic and Baroque buildings, including the iconic Black Church (Biserica Neagra), a massive Gothic structure that is a symbol of the city.

The Council House is located in the center of the square, this iconic structure dates back to the 15th century and once served as the city’s town hall. Today, it houses the Brasov History Museum, which showcases the city’s medieval and modern past.

The square itself has been a gathering place for centuries and is surrounded by charming cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it a perfect spot for both locals and tourists to enjoy traditional Romanian dishes, coffee, or dessert while people-watching.

Council Square often hosts local festivals, fairs, and concerts, adding to its vibrant charm. During the holiday season, it transforms into a magical Christmas market with lights and decorations.

One of Brasov’s most famous landmarks, the Black Church is Romania's largest Gothic cathedral. It earned its name after a devastating fire in 1689, which left it blackened by soot. The interior features intricate woodwork, stained glass windows, and a sense of solemnity, making it an essential stop for visitors interested in the history and architecture of the region.

The Black Church was originally built between 1383 and 1477 as a Roman Catholic church dedicated to Saint Mary. It was constructed in the late Gothic architectural style and was originally known as the Church of Saint Mary. However, after a major fire in 1689 that devastated much of Brașov, the church's walls and interior were blackened by smoke, giving it the name "Black Church."

The fire was a turning point for the church, and while it was repaired and restored over time, the distinctive blackened appearance remained, adding to its mystique and the overall aura of the building.

The Black Church is one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Romania, with its high vaulted ceilings, pointed arches, and intricate ribbed vaults. The structure is made of stone and brick, and its impressive façade is marked by large, pointed windows that allow natural light to filter into the interior.

Inside, the church is vast and austere, with a series of chapels, elaborate altars, and decorative features. The church houses a remarkable collection of wooden carvings, including the impressive baroque pulpit. The most notable feature of the interior is its grand organ, one of the largest in Romania, which is still in use for regular services and concerts.

The Black Church also has a remarkable collection of over 100 pieces of Ottoman carpets, donated by the local Saxon community in the 18th century. These carpets, which were collected by the church's parishioners, reflect the region's historical ties with the Ottoman Empire and are part of the church's unique artistic heritage.

The Black Church is still an active Lutheran (Evangelical) church, and it plays a central role in the religious and cultural life of Brasov's community. It is also a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors who come to admire its architecture, historical significance, and art collections.

In addition to its religious functions, the Black Church is also a venue for classical music concerts, particularly organ recitals, and it is an integral part of the cultural heritage of Brasov. The church is associated with the Saxon heritage of the region, as Brasov was historically a major center for the German-speaking Saxon population in Transylvania.

Overall, the Black Church is a striking blend of history, religion, and art, making it a symbol of Brasov and an important landmark in Romania's architectural and cultural history.

Brasov was once a fortified city, and remnants of its medieval defenses can still be seen. Brasov's historic fortifications were originally built by the Saxons in the 14th century to defend the town from invaders. The old city walls, bastions, and towers are scattered throughout the town, with some of the best-preserved towers being the White Tower and the Black Tower, offering insight into the city's strategic importance during the Middle Ages. These structures offer a glimpse into the town’s defensive past and provide panoramic views of the surrounding area.

The White Tower (Turnul Alb) is a tall, cylindrical structure with a semicircular shape on the side facing the city. It features slits for archers and machicolations for pouring hot substances on attackers. Its exterior is covered with white plaster, which gives it its name.

Built in the late 15th century, the White Tower was an essential part of Brasov's defenses, located on a steep hill to offer a strategic vantage point. A steep path leads to the tower from the city walls, making it an adventurous climb for visitors.

The Black Tower (Turnul Negru) has a square base and is slightly shorter than the White Tower. Its darker appearance comes from a historical fire that blackened its walls, giving the tower its name. Unlike the White Tower, it has a more compact and rugged structure.

Constructed around the same period as the White Tower, the Black Tower was also critical for monitoring and defending the city, and is reached via a steep path and is slightly closer to the old city.

Both towers offer panoramic views of Brasov's Old Town, including landmarks like the Council Square and the Black Church. They stand as reminders of the city's medieval history and attract visitors interested in history, architecture, and scenic views.

Tampa Mountain in Brasov, Romania, is a majestic natural landmark and a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Located in the heart of Brasov, this mountain rises approximately 960 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.

Key Features:

Location: Tampa Mountain is part of the Southern Carpathians and is integrated into the Postavarul Massif.

Brasov Sign: At its peak, you’ll find the iconic Hollywood-style "BRASOV" sign, which is illuminated at night and serves as a recognizable symbol of the city.

Hiking and Trails: The mountain is crisscrossed by several well-maintained trails, ranging from easy to moderately challenging. Popular routes include the "Serpentine Path" (easy and winding) and "Gabony’s Steps" (steeper but faster).

Cable Car: For those who prefer not to hike, a cable car offers a quick ride to the summit, providing stunning aerial views.

Wildlife and Flora: As a nature reserve, Tampa Mountain is home to diverse species of plants and animals, including rare butterflies and birds. The forested slopes are lush with beech and oak trees.

Historical Significance: The mountain has historical traces, including ruins of an ancient fortress, and offers a glimpse into Brasov's past.

Scenic Views: From the top, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Brasov’s medieval cityscape, including landmarks like the Black Church and Council Square, as well as the surrounding Carpathian Mountains.

Whether you're a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking for tranquility, Tampa Mountain provides a perfect escape while still being close to the city center.

Poarta Schei is another significant historical gate in Brasov, located at the western entrance of the old town. This gate is associated with the Schei neighborhood, a historic district in Brasov that was predominantly inhabited by Romanians during the Middle Ages, as opposed to the German-speaking Saxons who lived in the center of the city.

The current Poarta Schei was built in 1827 in a neoclassical style to replace an older wooden structure. It was designed by architect Johann Veit, and it features a large stone arch with four large pillars supporting it, and a decorative, carved inscription above the arch. The gate served as an important entrance for the residents of the Schei district, and it symbolizes the historical divide between the Romanian and Saxon communities of Brasov. Today, Poarta Schei is a notable architectural feature and a gateway between Brasov's medieval center and the more rural regions surrounding the city.

Rope Street, or Strada Sforii, is one of the narrowest streets in Europe, measuring just about 1.32 meters at its narrowest point. This unique street runs between two buildings in the old town and was historically used by firefighters to quickly move from one part of the city to another. The name "Rope Street" comes from its original function, as ropes were used to help people move along it quickly. The street's narrowness made it ideal for this purpose.

Today, Rope Street is a popular attraction for tourists due to its peculiar appearance. Though it was originally functional, it is now primarily a charming part of Brasov's medieval layout, with its cobblestone pavement and walls lined with historical buildings. It connects the Civic Square (Piata Sfatului) to the area near the Tampa Mountain cable car station, offering a delightful, narrow passage through the heart of Brasov's old town.

The Weavers' Bastion in Brasov, Romania, is one of the best-preserved medieval defensive structures in the city, showcasing the architectural ingenuity of the Saxon settlers. Built in the 15th century and later expanded in the 16th century, the bastion was constructed by the weavers' guild, who were responsible for its maintenance and defense.

Located at the southern end of Brasov's old fortifications, it features robust stone walls, arrow slits, and battlements designed to protect against invaders. The bastion's walls are particularly notable for their thickness, which reaches up to 4.5 meters (around 15 feet) in some places.

Today, the bastion houses a museum that highlights the history of Brasov and the role of the weavers' guild. Visitors can explore exhibits that include medieval weapons, tools, textiles, and other artifacts, as well as learn about the city's strategic importance during the medieval period. The bastion's location also offers picturesque views of Brasov and its surroundings, including the iconic Tampa Mountain.

Its remarkable preservation and historical significance make it a key attraction in Brasov.